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BEGINNER HIKING FAQ
What should I wear on a hike?
Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics (avoid cotton), wear sturdy hiking boots if your ankles tend to roll on rocky terrain or trail shoes with good tread. a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
What should I bring on a day hike?
Essentials include:
Water (at least 1 liter) even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills
Snacks (trail mix, granola bars)
Map or GPS
First aid kit
Sunscreen and bug spray
Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
Extra layer of clothing, especially socks in case your feet get wet
Hiking poles
Daypack
Whistle
Knife (or multitool)
Fire starter
🥾 Core Hiking Safety Principles
Plan your route: Research the trail difficulty, distance, and terrain. Choose a hike that matches your fitness and experience level.
Check the weather: Mountain and forest conditions can change rapidly. Avoid hiking in storms, extreme heat, or poor visibility.
Tell someone your plan: Share your route and expected return time with a friend or family member. Check in with them upon your return
Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
🚶 On the Trail
Stay on marked trails: Prevents getting lost and protects fragile ecosystems. Much of the FLT trails are adjacent to or even on private property. The fastest way for us to lose trail owner permission is to wander off the trail. Watch for the blazes on the trees.
Pace yourself and appreciate the beauty around you.
Stay hydrated and fueled: Drink water regularly and eat snacks to maintain energy.
Avoid hiking alone on unfamiliar trails, especially if you’re a beginner.
Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard, and even more so if they're on a slope.
Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows, or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
If the slope is such that you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom is safer.
If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
🧠 Safety & Awareness
Stay on marked trails: Avoid shortcuts or wandering off-path to prevent getting lost or damaging ecosystems.
Know basic first aid: Learn how to treat blisters, sprains, and insect bites.
Watch your footing: Loose rocks, roots, and slippery terrain can cause falls.
Respect wildlife: Observe from a distance—never feed or approach animals.
Be bear aware: In bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Wildlife awareness
Keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and know how to react if you encounter bears, bobcats, or other potentially dangerous creatures. Keep an eye out for animals and their scat. The only time that bears are aggressive is when they are protecting their cubs or hungry and looking for food. Bears Love Food! They are always in search of the next meal; this is usually what attracts them to people—they smell food. The forest service recommends cooking away from your tent and never leaving food for bears. To read more about bear encounters and safety: Staying Safe Around Bears - Bears (U.S. National Park Service)
🌿 Trail Etiquette & Sustainability
Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on trails, and avoid disturbing nature.
Yield appropriately: Uphill hikers have the right of way; step aside for faster hikers or bikers.
Keep noise down: Enjoy the sounds of nature—avoid loud music or shouting.
Use restrooms or dig a cathole: If nature calls, follow proper waste disposal guidelines.
Be kind to others: A smile or friendly greeting goes a long way on the trail.
Hunting Season
Bear and deer gun seasons are probably our biggest concern when hiking. Generally, many of our club members hike the woods all season except during gun season for bear and deer.
As a good rule, starting now, you should wear bright colors while hiking and have your dog on a leash.
It is highly recommended to hike areas that do not allow hunting or do seasonal road-walk-type hikes. If you are hiking the FLT, make sure you check the FLTC website trail conditions page or interactive map for hunting closures. Hiking is not allowed in areas that have hunting closures. For full information about the 2025-2026 hunting season, consult
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